44 Liver, Pancreas and Biliary Tract - Lippincotts

21. The nurse should monitor the client with acute pancreatitis for which of the following complications? 1. Heart failure. 2. Duodenal ulcer. 3. Cirrhosis. 4. Pneumonia.

4. The client with acute pancreatitis is prone to complications associated with the respiratory system. Pneumonia, atelectasis, and pleural effusion are examples of respiratory complications that can develop as a result of pancreatic enzyme exudate. Pancreatitis does not cause heart failure, ulcer formation, or cirrhosis.

61. The nurse has an order to administer 2 oz of lactulose (Cephulac) to a client who has cirrhosis. How many milliliters of lactulose should the nurse administer? ________mL.

60 mL 30 mL = 1 oz The following formula is used to calculate the cor- rect dosage: 30 mL/1 oz = X mL/2 oz X = 60 mL.

47. A nurse is developing a care plan for a client with hepatic encephalopathy. Which of the following are goals for the care for this client? Select all that apply. 1. Preventing constipation. 2. Administering lactulose (Cephulac). 3. Monitoring coordination while walking. 4. Checking the pupil reaction. 5. Providing food and fluids high in carbohydrate. 6. Encouraging physical activity.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Constipation leads to increased ammonia production. Lactulose (Cephulac) is a hyperosmotic laxative that reduces blood ammonia by acidifying the colon contents, which retards diffusion of nonionic ammonia from the colon to the blood while promoting its migration from the blood to the colon. Hepatic encephalopathy is considered a toxic or metabolic condition that causes cerebral edema; it affects a person's coordination and pupil reaction to light and accommodation. Food and fluids high in carbohydrates should be given because the liver is not synthesizing and storing glucose. Because exercise produces ammonia as a byproduct of metabolism, physical activity should be limited, not encouraged.

4. A client's stools are light gray in color. The nurse should assess the client further for which of the following? Select all that apply. 1. Intolerance to fatty foods. 2. Fever. 3. Jaundice. 4. Respiratory distress. 5. Pain at McBurney's point. 6. Peptic ulcer disease.

1, 2, 3. Bile is created in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and released into the duodenum giving stool its brown color. A bile duct obstruction can cause pale colored stools. Other symptoms associated with cholelithiasis are right upper quadrant tenderness, fever from inflammation or infection, jaundice from elevated serum bilirubin levels, and nausea or right upper quadrant pain after a fatty meal. Pain at McBurney's point lies between the umbilicus and right iliac crest and is associated with appendicitis. A bleeding ulcer produces black, tarry stools. Respiratory distress is not a symptom of cholelithiasis.

56. The nurse is planning care for a client being admitted with bleeding esophageal varices. Vital signs are: Pulse 100; respiratory rate 22; and blood pressure 100/58. The nurse should prepare the client for which of the following? Select all that apply. 1. Administration of intravenous Octreotide (Sandostatin). 2. Endoscopy. 3. Administration of a blood product. 4. Minnesota tube insertion. 5. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure. 6. Immediate endotracheal intubation

1, 2, 3. The management of bleeding esophageal varices involves endoscopic therapy and drug therapy with octreotide, vasopressin, nitroglycerin, or beta blockers to lower portal hypertension and decompress the varices. I.V. access is needed for octreotide and potential blood product administration due to blood loss or altered clotting factors. A patent airway should be maintained, but intubation is not needed for clients with adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Balloon tamponade is used if variceal hemorrhage cannot be controlled by endoscopy. A TIPS procedure may be considered after a second major bleed to redirect portal blood flow away from the varices.

22. When providing care for a client hospitalized with acute pancreatitis who has acute abdominal pain, which of the following nursing interventions would be most appropriate for this client? Select all that apply. 1. Placing the client in a side-lying position. 2. Administering morphine sulfate for pain as needed. 3. Maintaining the client on a high-calorie, high-protein diet. 4. Monitoring the client's respiratory status. 5. Obtaining daily weights.

1, 4, 5. The client with acute pancreatitis usually experiences acute abdominal pain. Placing the client in a side-lying position relieves the tension on the abdominal area and promotes comfort. A semi Fowler's position is also appropriate. The nurse should also monitor the client's respiratory status because clients with pancreatitis are prone to develop respiratory complications. Daily weights are obtained to monitor the client's nutritional and fluid volume status. While the client will likely need opioid analgesics to treat the pain, morphine sulfate is not appropriate as it stimulates spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, thus increasing the client's discomfort. During the acute phase of the illness while the client is experiencing pain, the pancreas is rested by withholding food and drink. When the diet is reintroduced, it is a high-carbohydrate, low-fat, bland diet.

57. A client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube has a sudden drop in SpO2 and increase in respiratory rate to 40 breaths/minute. The nurse should do which of the following in order from first to last? 1. Affirm airway obstruction by the tube. 2. Remove the tube. 3. Deflate the tube by cutting with bedside scissors. 4. Apply oxygen via face mask.

1. Affirm airway obstruction by the tube. 3. Deflate the tube by cutting with bedside scis¬sors. 2. Remove the tube. 4. Apply oxygen via face mask. The nurse should first assess the client to determine if the tube is obstructing the airway; assessment is done by assessing air flow. Once obstruction is established, the tube should be deflated and then quickly removed. A set of scissors should always be at the bedside to allow for emergency deflation of the balloon. Oxygen via face mask should then be applied once the tube is removed.

16. The client who has been hospitalized with pancreatitis does not drink alcohol because of her religious convictions. She becomes upset when the physician persists in asking her about alcohol intake. The nurse should explain that the reason for these questions is that: 1. There is a strong link between alcohol use and acute pancreatitis. 2. Alcohol intake can interfere with the tests used to diagnose pancreatitis. 3. Alcoholism is a major health problem, and all clients are questioned about alcohol intake. 4. The physician must obtain the pertinent facts, regardless of religious beliefs.

1. Alcoholism is a major cause of acute pancreatitis in the United States. Because some clients are reluctant to discuss alcohol use, staff may inquire about it in several ways. Generally, alcohol intake does not interfere with the tests used to diagnose pancreatitis. Recent ingestion of large amounts of alcohol, however, may cause an increased serum amylase level. Large amounts of ethyl and methyl alcohol may produce an elevated urinary amylase concentration. All clients are asked about alcohol and drug use on hospital admission, but this information is especially pertinent for clients with pancreatitis. Physicians do need to seek facts, but this can be done while respecting the client's religious beliefs. Respecting religious beliefs is important in providing holistic client care.

54. Which of the following positions would be appropriate for a client with severe ascites? 1. Fowler's. 2. Side-lying. 3. Reverse Trendelenburg. 4. Sims.

1. Ascites can compromise the action of the diaphragm and increase the client's risk of respiratory problems. Ascites also greatly increases the risk of skin breakdown. Frequent position changes are important, but the preferred position is Fowler's. Placing the client in Fowler's position helps facilitate the client's breathing by relieving pressure on the diaphragm. The other positions do not relieve pressure on the diaphragm.

THE CLIENT WITH CIRRHOSIS 44. A client with cirrhosis is receiving Lactulose (Cephulac). During the assessment the nurse notes increased confusion and asterixis. The nurse should: 1. Assess for GI bleeding. 2. Hold the Lactulose (Cephulac). 3. Increase protein in the diet. 4. Monitor serum bilirubin levels.

1. Clients with cirrhosis can develop hepatic encephalopathy caused by increased ammonia levels. Asterixis, a flapping tremor, is a characteristic symptom of increased ammonia levels. Bacterial action on increased protein in the bowel will increase ammonia levels and cause the encephalopathy to worsen. GI bleeding and protein consumed in the diet increases protein in the intestine and can elevate ammonia levels. Lactulose is given to reduce ammonia formation in the intestine and should not be held since neurological symptoms are worsening. Bilirubin is associated with jaundice.

25. Which of the following dietary instructions would be appropriate for the nurse to give a client who is recovering from acute pancreatitis? 1. Avoid crash dieting. 2. Restrict carbohydrate intake. 3. Eat six small meals a day. 4. Decrease sodium in the diet.

1. Crash dieting or bingeing may cause an acute attack of pancreatitis and should be avoided. Carbohydrate intake should be increased because carbohydrates are less stimulating to the pancreas. There is no need to maintain a dietary pattern of six meals a day; the client can eat whenever desired. There is no need to place the client on a sodium-restricted diet because pancreatitis does not promote fluid retention.

50. What diet should be implemented for a client who is in the early stages of cirrhosis? 1. High-calorie, high-carbohydrate. 2. High-protein, low-fat. 3. Low-fat, low-protein. 4. High-carbohydrate, low-sodium.

1. For clients who have cirrhosis without complications, a high-calorie, high-carbohydrate diet is preferred to provide an adequate supply of nutrients. In the early stages of cirrhosis, there is no need to restrict fat, protein, or sodium.

20. Which of the following medications would the nurse question for a client with acute pancreatitis? 1. Furosemide (Lasix) 20 mg I.V. push. 2. Imipenem (Primaxin) 500 mg I.V. 3. Morphine Sulfate 2 mg I.V. push. 4. Famotidine (Pepcid) 20 mg I.V. push.

1. Furosemide (Lasix) can cause pancreatitis. Additionally, hypovolemia can develop with acute pancreatitis and Lasix will further delete fluid volume. Imipenem is indicated in the treatment of acute pancreatitis with necrosis and infection. Research no longer supports Meperidine (Demerol) over other opiates. Morphine and Dilaudid are opiates of choice in acute pancreatitis to get pain under control. Famotidine is a Histamine 2 receptor antagonist used to decrease acid secretion and prevent stress or peptic ulcers.

52. Which of the following health promotion activities would be appropriate for the nurse to suggest that the client with cirrhosis add to the daily routine at home? 1. Supplement the diet with daily multivitamins. 2. Limit daily alcohol intake. 3. Take a sleeping pill at bedtime. 4. Limit contact with other people whenever possible.

1. General health promotion measures include maintaining good nutrition, avoiding infection, and abstaining from alcohol. Rest and sleep are essential, but an impaired liver may not be able to detoxify sedatives and barbiturates. Such drugs must be used cautiously, if at all, by clients with cirrhosis. The client does not need to limit contact with others but should exercise caution to stay away from ill people.

23. The nurse notes that a client with acute pancreatitis occasionally experiences muscle twitching and jerking. How should the nurse interpret the significance of these symptoms? 1. The client may be developing hypocalcemia. 2. The client is experiencing a reaction to meperidine (Demerol). 3. The client has a nutritional imbalance. 4. The client needs a muscle relaxant to help him rest.

1. Hypocalcemia develops in severe cases of acute pancreatitis. The exact cause is unknown. Signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia include jerking and muscle twitching, numbness of fingers and lips, and irritability. Meperidine (Demerol) may cause tremors or seizures as an adverse effect, but not muscle twitching. Muscle twitching is not caused by a nutritional deficit, nor does it indicate that the client needs a muscle relaxant.

64. The nurse is preparing a client for a paracentesis. The nurse should: 1. Have the client void immediately before the procedure. 2. Place the client in a side-lying position. 3. Initiate an I.V. line to administer sedatives. 4. Place the client on nothing-by-mouth (NPO) status 6 hours before the procedure.

1. Immediately before a paracentesis, the client should empty the bladder to prevent perforation. The client will be placed in a high Fowler's position or seated on the side of the bed for the procedure. I.V. sedatives are not usually administered. The client does not need to be NPO.

55. The client with cirrhosis receives 100 mL of 25% serum albumin I.V. Which finding would best indicate that the albumin is having its desired effect? 1. Increased urine output. 2. Increased serum albumin level. 3. Decreased anorexia. 4. Increased ease of breathing.

1. Normal serum albumin is administered to reduce ascites. Hypoalbuminemia, a mechanism underlying ascites formation, results in decreased colloid osmotic pressure. Administering serum albumin increases the plasma colloid osmotic pressure, which causes fluid to flow from the tissue space into the plasma. Increased urine output is the best indication that the albumin is having the desired effect. An increased serum albumin level and increased ease of breathing may indirectly imply that the administration of albumin is effective in relieving the ascites. However, it is not as direct an indicator as increased urine output. Anorexia is not affected by the administration of albumin.

24. A client is receiving Propantheline bromide (Pro-Banthine) in the management of acute pancreatitis. Which of the following would indicate that the nurse should withhold the medication? 1. Absent bowel sounds. 2. Increased urine output. 3. Diarrhea. 4. Decreased heart rate.

1. Propantheline is an anticholinergic, anti-spasmodic medication that decreases vagal stimulation and pancreatic secretions. It is contraindicated in paralytic ileus, therefore the nurse should be concerned with the absent bowel sounds. Side effects are urinary retention, constipation, and tachycardia.

59. The nurse monitors a client with cirrhosis for the development of hepatic encephalopathy. Which of the following would be an indication that hepatic encephalopathy is developing? 1. Decreased mental status. 2. Elevated blood pressure. 3. Decreased urine output. 4. Labored respirations.

1. The client should be monitored closely for changes in mental status. Ammonia has a toxic effect on central nervous system tissue and produces an altered level of consciousness, marked by drowsiness and irritability. If this process is unchecked, the client may lapse into coma. Increasing ammonia levels are not detected by changes in blood pressure, urine output, or respirations.

68. The nurse's assignment consists of the following four clients. From highest to lowest priority, in which order should the nurse assess the clients after receiving morning report? 1. The client with cirrhosis who became confused and disoriented during the night. 2. The client with acute pancreatitis who is requesting pain medication. 3. The client who is 1 day postoperative following a cholecystectomy and has a T-tube inserted. 4. The client with hepatitis B who has questions about his discharge instructions.

1. The client with cirrhosis who became confused and disoriented during the night. 2. The client with acute pancreatitis who is requesting pain medication. 3. The client who is 1 day postoperative following a cholecystectomy and has a T-tube inserted. 4. The client with hepatitis B who has questions about his discharge instructions. The nurse should first assess the client with cirrhosis to ensure the client's safety and to assess the client for the onset of hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse should then assess the client with acute pancreatitis who is requesting pain medication and administer the needed medication. The nurse should next assess the client who underwent a cholecystectomy and is 1 day postoperative to make sure that the T-tube is draining and that the client is performing postoperative breathing exercises. This client's safety is not at risk and the client is not indicating that he is in pain, so his care is a lower priority. The nurse can speak last with the client with hepatitis B who has questions about his dis¬charge instructions because this client's issues are not urgent.

THE CLIENT WITH PANCREATITIS 15. A client has an amylase level of 450 units/L and lipase level of 659 units/L. The client has mid-epigastric pain with nausea. What assessment helps the nurse to determine severity of the client's condition? 1. Ranson's criteria. 2. Vital signs. 3. Urine output. 4. Glasgow Coma Scale.

1. The elevated amylase and lipase and symptoms suggest acute pancreatitis. Ranson's criteria is a clinical predictor scale used to assess the severity of acute pancreatitis and prognosis. Vital signs are used to evaluate hemodynamic stability. Urine output is monitored for assessment of fluid volume status. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a neurological scale to assess the level of consciousness.

11. The nurse prepares to administer promethazine (Phenergan) 35 mg I.M. as ordered p.r.n. for a client with cholecystitis complaining of nausea. The ampule label reads that the medication is available in 25 mg/mL. How many milliliters should the nurse administer? ________mL.

1.4 mL. The following formula is used to calculate the cor¬rect dosage: 35 mg/X mL = 25 mg/1 mL X = 1.4 mL.

51. A client with jaundice has pruritis and states that he has areas of irritation from scratching. What measures can the nurse discuss to prevent skin breakdown? Select all that apply. 1. Avoid lotions containing calamine. 2. Take baking soda baths. 3. Keep nails short and clean. 4. Rub with knuckles instead of nails. 5. Massage skin with alcohol. 6. Increase sodium intake in diet.

2, 3, 4. Baking soda baths can decrease pruritis. Keeping nails short and rubbing with knuckles can decrease breakdown when scratching cannot be resisted, such as during sleep. Calamine lotions help relieve itching. Alcohol will increase skin dryness. Sodium in the diet will increase edema and weaken skin integrity.

18. A client with acute pancreatitis has a blood pressure of 88/40, heart rate of 128 beats per minute, respirations of 28 per minute, and Grey Turner's sign. What action should the nurse perform first? 1. Assess the urine output. 2. Place an intravenous line. 3. Position on the left side. 4. Insert a nasogastric tube.

2. Grey Turner's sign is a bluish discoloration in the flank area caused by retroperitoneal bleeding. The vital signs are showing hemodynamic instability. I.V. access should be obtained to provide immediate volume replacement. The urine output will provide information on the fluid status. A nasogastric tube is indicated for clients with uncontrolled nausea and vomiting or gastric distension. Repositioning the client may be considered for pain management once the client's vital signs are stable.

26. Pancreatic enzyme replacements are ordered for the client with chronic pancreatitis. When should the nurse instruct the client to take them to obtain the most therapeutic effect? 1. Three times daily between meals. 2. With each meal and snack. 3. In the morning and at bedtime. 4. Every 4 hours, at specified times.

2. In chronic pancreatitis, destruction of pancreatic tissue requires pancreatic enzyme replacement. Pancreatic enzymes are prescribed to facilitate the digestion of proteins and fats and should be taken in conjunction with every meal and snack. Specified hours or limited times for administration are ineffective because the enzymes must be taken in conjunction with food ingestion.

17. The nurse monitors the client with pancreatitis for early signs of shock. Which of the following conditions is primarily responsible for making it difficult to manage shock in pancreatitis? 1. Severity of intestinal hemorrhage. 2. Vasodilating effects of kinin peptides. 3. Tendency toward heart failure. 4. Frequent incidence of acute tubular necrosis.

2. Life-threatening shock is a potential complication of pancreatitis. Kinin peptides activated by the trapped trypsin cause vasodilation and increased capillary permeability. These effects exacerbate shock and are not easily reversed with pharmacologic agents such as vasopressors. Hemorrhage may occur into the pancreas, but not in the intestines. Systemic complications include pulmonary complications, but not heart failure or acute tubular necrosis.

49. A client with cirrhosis begins to develop ascites. Spironolactone (Aldactone) is prescribed to treat the ascites. The nurse should monitor the client closely for which of the following drug-related adverse effects? 1. Constipation. 2. Hyperkalemia. 3. Irregular pulse. 4. Dysuria.

2. Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic; therefore, clients should be monitored closely for hyperkalemia. Other common adverse effects include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and rash. Constipation and dysuria are not common adverse effects of spironolactone. An irregular pulse is not an adverse effect of spironolactone but could develop if serum potassium levels are not closely monitored.

62. A client is to be discharged with a prescription for lactulose (Cephulac). The nurse teaches the client and the client's spouse how to administer this medication. Which of the following statements would indicate that the client has understood the information? 1. "I'll take it with Maalox." 2. "I'll mix it with apple juice." 3. "I'll take it with a laxative." 4. "I'll mix the crushed tablets in some gelatin."

2. The taste of lactulose (Cephulac) is a problem for some clients. Mixing it with fruit juice, water, or milk can make it more palatable. Lactulose should not be given with antacids, which may inhibit its action. Lactulose should not be taken with a laxative because diarrhea is an adverse effect of the drug. Lactulose comes in the form of syrup for oral or rectal administration.

6. A client has an open cholecystectomy with bile duct exploration. Following surgery, the client has a T-tube. To evaluate the effectiveness of the T-tube, the nurse should: 1. Irrigate the tube with 20 mL of normal saline every 4 hours. 2. Unclamp the T-tube and empty the contents every day. 3. Assess the color and amount of drainage every shift. 4. Monitor the multiple incision sites for bile drainage.

3. A T-tube is inserted in the common bile duct to maintain patency until edema from the duct exploration subsides. The bile color should be gold to dark green and the amount of drainage should be closely monitored to ensure tube patency. Irrigation is not routinely done, unless ordered using a smaller volume of fluid. The T-tube is not clamped in the early post-op period to allow for continuous drainage. An open cholecystectomy has one right subcostal incision, whereas a laparoscopic cholecystectomy has multiple small incisions.

19. A client is admitted with acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Lab results have been obtained and a peripheral I.V. has been inserted. Which of the following orders from a health care provider should the nurse question? 1. Infuse a 500 mL normal saline bolus. 2. Calcium gluconate 90 mg in 100 mL NS. 3. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) at 72 mL/ hour. 4. Placement of a Foley catheter.

3. Clients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis should remain NPO with early enteral feeding via the jejunum to maintain bowel integrity and immune function. TPN is considered if enteral feedings are contraindicated. Access is also needed for TPN, preferably via a central line. Hemodynamic instability can result from fluid volume loss and bleeding and requires fluid and electrolyte replacement. Fat necrosis occurring with acute pancreatitis can cause hypocalcemia requiring calcium replacement. A Foley catheter provides accurate output assessment to monitor for prerenal acute renal failure that can occur from hypovolemia.

63. The nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client with cirrhosis. Which of the following statements best indicates that the client has understood the teaching? 1. "I should eat a high-protein, high-carbohydrate diet to provide energy." 2. "It is safer for me to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain instead of aspirin." 3. "I should avoid constipation to decrease chances of bleeding." 4. "If I get enough rest and follow my diet, it is possible for my cirrhosis to be cured."

3. Clients with cirrhosis should be instructed to avoid constipation and straining at stool to prevent hemorrhage. The client with cirrhosis has bleeding tendencies because of the liver's inability to produce clotting factors. A low-protein and high-carbohydrate diet is recommended. Clients with cirrhosis should not take acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is potentially hepatotoxic. Aspirin also should be avoided if esophageal varices are present. Cirrhosis is a chronic disease.

48. The nurse is assessing a client who is in the early stages of cirrhosis of the liver. Which focused assessment is appropriate? 1. Peripheral edema. 2. Ascites. 3. Anorexia. 4. Jaundice.

3. Early clinical manifestations of cirrhosis are subtle and usually include gastrointestinal symptoms, such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel patterns. These changes are caused by the liver's altered ability to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Peripheral edema, ascites, and jaundice are later signs of liver failure and portal hypertension.

66. A client with ascites and peripheral edema is at risk for impaired skin integrity. To prevent skin breakdown, the nurse should: 1. Institute range-of-motion (ROM) exercise every 4 hours. 2. Massage the abdomen once a shift. 3. Use an alternating air pressure mattress. 4. Elevate the lower extremities.

3. Edematous tissue is easily traumatized and must receive meticulous care. An alternating air pressure mattress will help decrease pressure on the edematous tissue. ROM exercises are important to maintain joint function, but they do not necessarily prevent skin breakdown. When abdominal skin is stretched taut due to ascites, it must be cleaned very carefully. The abdomen should not be massaged. Elevation of the lower extremities promotes venous return and decreases swelling.

45. The nurse is assessing a client with cirrhosis who has developed hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse should notify the physician of a decrease in which lab serum that is a potential precipitating factor for hepatic encephalopathy? 1. Aldosterone. 2. Creatinine. 3. Potassium. 4. Protein.

3. Hypokalemia is a precipitating factor in hepatic encephalopathy. A decrease in creatinine results from muscle atrophy; an increase in creatinine would indicate renal insufficiency. With liver dysfunction increased aldosterone levels are seen. A decrease in serum protein will decrease colloid osmotic pressure and promote edema.

27. The nurse should teach the client with chronic pancreatitis to monitor the effectiveness of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy by doing which of the following? 1. Monitoring fluid intake. 2. Performing regular glucose fingerstick tests. 3. Observing stools for steatorrhea. 4. Testing urine for ketones.

3. If the dosage and administration of pancreatic enzymes are adequate, the client's stool will be relatively normal. Any increase in odor or fat content would indicate the need for dosage adjustment. Stable body weight would be another indirect indicator. Fluid intake does not affect enzyme replacement therapy. If diabetes has developed, the client will need to monitor glucose levels. However, glucose and ketone levels are not affected by pancreatic enzyme therapy and would not indicate effectiveness of the therapy.

60. A client's serum ammonia level is elevated, and the physician orders 30 mL of lactulose (Cephulac). Which of the following is an adverse effect of this drug? 1. Increased urine output. 2. Improved level of consciousness. 3. Increased bowel movements. 4. Nausea and vomiting.

3. Lactulose (Cephulac) increases intestinal motility, thereby trapping and expelling ammonia in the feces. An increase in the number of bowel movements is expected as an adverse effect. Lactulose does not affect urine output. Any improvements in mental status would be the result of increased ammonia elimination, not an adverse effect of the drug. Nausea and vomiting are not common adverse effects of lactulose.

58. The physician orders oral neomycin (Mycifradin) as well as a neomycin enema for a client with cirrhosis. The expected outcome of this therapy is to: 1. Reduce abdominal pressure. 2. Prevent straining during defecation. 3. Block ammonia formation. 4. Reduce bleeding within the intestine.

3. Neomycin (Mycifradin) is administered to decrease the bacterial action on protein in the intestines, which results in ammonia production. This ammonia, if not detoxified by the liver, can result in hepatic encephalopathy and coma. The antibiotic does not reduce abdominal pressure, prevent straining during defecation, or decrease hemorrhaging within the intestine.

7. At 8 a.m., the nurse reviews the amount of T-tube drainage for a client who underwent an open cholecystectomy yesterday. After reviewing the output record (see chart), the nurse should: Output Record of Date T-tube 12 pm - 50 mL, 4 pm - 60 mL, 8 pm - 60 mL, 1 2 am - 70 mL, 4 am - 70 mL, 8 am - 10 mL 1. Report the 24-hour drainage amount at 12 noon. 2. Clamp the T-tube. 3. Evaluate the tube for patency. 4. Irrigate the T-tube.

3. The T-tube should drain approximately 300 to 500 mL in the first 24 hours and after 3 to 4 days the amount should decrease to less than 200 mL in 24 hours. With the sudden decrease in drainage at 8 a.m., the nurse should immediately assess the tube for obstruction of flow that can be caused by kinks in the tube or the client lying on the tube. Drainage color must also be assessed for signs of bleeding. The tube should not be irrigated or clamped without an order.

30. The nurse is assessing a client with hepatitis and notices that the AST and ALT lab values have increased. Which of the following statements by the client requires further instruction by the nurse? 1. "I require increased periods of rest." 2. "I follow a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet." 3. "I eat dry toast to relieve my nausea." 4. "I take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for arthritis pain."

4. Acetaminophen is toxic to the liver and should be avoided in a client with liver dysfunction. Increased periods of rest allow for liver regeneration. A low-fat, high carbohydrate diet and dry toast to relieve nausea are appropriate.

28. The client with chronic pancreatitis should be monitored closely for the development of which of the following disorders? 1. Cholelithiasis. 2. Hepatitis. 3. Irritable bowel syndrome. 4. Diabetes mellitus.

4. Clients with chronic pancreatitis are likely to develop diabetes as a result of the pancreatic fibrosis that occurs. The pancreas becomes unable to secrete insulin. Cholelithiasis, hepatitis, and irritable bowel syndrome are not caused by chronic pancreatitis.

53. The nurse is reviewing the chart information for a client with increased ascites. The data include: temperature 37.2° C; heart rate 118; shallow respirations 26; blood pressure 128/76; and SpO2 89% on room air. Which action should receive priority by the nurse? 1. Assess heart sounds. 2. Obtain an order for blood cultures. 3. Prepare for a paracentesis. 4. Raise the head of the bed.

4. Elevating the head of the bed will allow for increased lung expansion by decreasing the ascites pressing on the diaphragm. The client requires reassessment. A paracentesis is reserved for symptomatic clients with ascites with impaired respiration or abdominal pain not responding to other measures such as sodium restriction and diuretics. There is no indication for blood cultures. Heart sounds are assessed with the routine physical assessment.

46. A client has advanced cirrhosis of the liver. The client's spouse asks the nurse why his abdomen is swollen, making it very difficult for him to fasten his pants. How should the nurse respond to provide the most accurate explanation of the disease process? 1. "He must have been eating too many foods with salt in them. Salt pulls water with it." 2. "The swelling in his ankles must have moved up closer to his heart so the fluid circulates better." 3. "He must have forgotten to take his daily water pill." 4. "Blood is not able to flow readily through the liver now, and the liver cannot make protein to keep fluid inside the blood vessels."

4. Portal hypertension and hypoalbuminemia as a result of cirrhosis cause a fluid shift into the peritoneal space causing ascites. In a cardiac or kidney problem, not cirrhosis, sodium can promote edema formation and subsequent decreased urine output. Edema does not migrate upward toward the heart to enhance its circulation. Although diuretics promote the excretion of excess fluid, occasionally forgetting or omitting a dose will not yield the ascites found in cirrhosis of the liver.

65. Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate incorporating into the client's plan of care when hepatic encephalopathy initially develops? 1. Inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube. 2. Restricting fluids to 1,000 mL/day. 3. Administering I.V. salt-poor albumin. 4. Implementing a low-protein diet.

4. When hepatic encephalopathy develops, measures are taken to reduce ammonia formation. Protein is restricted in the diet. An NG tube is not inserted initially but may be necessary as the disease progresses. Fluid restriction and salt-poor albumin are incorporated into the treatment of ascites, but not hepatic encephalopathy.